Cornea and Its Diseases
The cornea is the transparent dome-shaped organ at the front of the eye. It allows light to enter the eye and focuses it on the retina, enabling clear vision. The cornea not only facilitates light transmission but also helps maintain the shape of the eye and protect it from infections.
The cornea can be affected by various factors, leading to diseases. These diseases can impair the cornea's transparency, negatively affecting vision. Common corneal diseases include:
How Are Corneal Diseases Diagnosed?
The cornea can be affected by many diseases, significantly impacting vision. Various methods are used to diagnose corneal diseases. Your doctor will first use a biomicroscope to examine the cornea and other parts of the eye in detail.
After diagnosing the corneal disease, your doctor will discuss the treatment options based on the disease.
Microcornea and Its Treatment
Microcornea is a condition where the cornea is smaller than normal. It is usually a congenital disease and can be hereditary. Microcornea can cause vision defects such as myopia and astigmatism. Treatment aims to improve visual acuity using glasses or contact lenses. In some advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Keratitis and Its Treatment
Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea. It can be caused by infections, injuries, autoimmune diseases, or allergies. Symptoms of keratitis include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, tearing, and blurred vision.
Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and may include antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications, steroids, or pain relievers.
Keratoconus and Its Treatment
Keratoconus is the thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape. It causes blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, and astigmatism. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and may include the use of contact lenses, strengthening of corneal cross-links (cross-linking), or surgical procedures such as corneal transplantation.
Corneal Dystrophies and Their Treatment
Corneal dystrophies are a group of inherited diseases that affect the transparency and function of the cornea. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of dystrophy. Treatment options for corneal dystrophies include glasses, contact lenses, laser surgery, and corneal transplantation.
Corneal Ulcer and Its Treatment
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the surface of the cornea. It can be caused by infections, injuries, or chemical burns. Symptoms of a corneal ulcer include:
A corneal ulcer is a serious condition that requires urgent medical intervention. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Treatment depends on the type of infection and may include antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medications. Steroid eye drops can also be used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the corneal ulcer.
Conjunctivitis and Its Treatment
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the membrane covering the white part of the eye (conjunctiva). It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or allergic infections. Treatment options vary depending on the type of conjunctivitis.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own, but over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis is treated by avoiding the allergen and using antihistamine eye drops or ointments.
Pterygium and Its Treatment
Pterygium is the abnormal growth of the conjunctiva onto the cornea. It can cause redness, irritation, and blurred vision. Pterygium usually develops as a result of exposure to sunlight. Treatment options for pterygium include eye drops, ointments, and surgery.
Eye drops and ointments can help relieve symptoms but cannot stop the growth of pterygium. Surgery is used to remove the pterygium and prevent it from growing back.
Corneal Transplant
A corneal transplant involves replacing the damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea. It is an effective method to regain or significantly improve vision loss.
Corneal transplants can be performed for various diseases such as keratoconus, microcornea, corneal injuries, infections, and dystrophies.
How Much Does Treatment for Corneal Diseases Cost?
The cost of treatment for corneal diseases varies depending on the underlying cause and the procedure to be performed. The treatment plan determined by our specialist eye doctor after a detailed examination may vary from person to person.
For appointment and pricing information, please click here.The information provided above is for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please make an appointment with our doctors.